KANSAS CITY – Under the bright lights of Kauffman Stadium, with a biting April breeze cutting across the diamond, Carlos Estévez took the mound in the top of the ninth with fire in his eyes and ice in his veins. The Kansas City Royals, clinging to a narrow 4-3 lead over the visiting Los Angeles Angels, were just three outs away from a critical early-season win—and they entrusted their closer with the task of slamming the door.
It had been a tense affair all evening. The Royals jumped to an early lead in the second inning when MJ Melendez launched a two-run shot to right-center off Angels starter Reid Detmers. The crowd roared as the ball cleared the fountains, a classic Kansas City blast. But the Angels clawed their way back, tying the game at 3-3 in the seventh with a clutch double by Logan O’Hoppe that just evaded the glove of a diving Kyle Isbel in center.
In the bottom of the eighth, Bobby Witt Jr. sparked the rally that would eventually decide the game. After reaching base on a sharp single up the middle, he swiped second with electrifying speed. A bloop single by Salvador Perez brought him home, giving the Royals a 4-3 edge—and setting the stage for Estévez’s entrance.
Estévez, a veteran fireman known for his explosive fastball and steely demeanor, took the mound to face the heart of the Angels’ order. First up: Mike Trout. Though not as spry as in years past, Trout remained a threat. Estévez went right at him, painting corners at 97 mph, then freezing him with a slider that dipped just under the zone. Strike three. One out.
Next came Nolan Schanuel, the Angels’ rising star. Estévez fell behind 2-0, but battled back with a perfectly placed splitter and an elevated heater to run the count full. Schanuel swung through a wicked slider down and in. Two outs.
The crowd rose as Shohei Ohtani stepped to the plate, a pinch-hitter in a dramatic twist. Back in Anaheim after a brief NL stint, Ohtani carried the weight of the moment. Estévez, unflinching, delivered a first-pitch strike. Then came the chess match: inside fastball, foul; off-speed away, taken. At 2-2, Estévez unleashed a four-seamer at 98 mph. Ohtani connected—but it was a towering fly to deep left. The crowd held its breath as MJ Melendez tracked it near the warning track, glove poised. Snag.
Game over.
Estévez let out a roar and punched the air as the Royals swarmed him near the mound. His first save in Royal blue had come in dramatic fashion, capping a tense and thrilling night at The K. With the win, Kansas City moved to 10-8 on the season, showing flashes of the gritty, gutsy ball that could define their 2025 campaign.
One-run games reveal character, and on this night, Carlos Estévez proved he’s got all the grit Kansas City needs.
